The Michigan legislature this month granted state-appointed emergency financial manager Robert Bobb the power to bypass elected officials in his effort to transform the Detroit Public Schools, but Bobb says he plans to work with the school board when possible.

"There has been a significant sea change in our relationship the last few month," Bobb told The Detroit News. "Everyone knows the new law. If you have the club, you don't have to use it, but you know the time when to use it."

Bobb's tenure has been marked by a prolonged power struggle with the board, but they've developed a working relationship in the past few months, a relationship he's intent on maintaining. Tonight, Bobb and board members will meet privately to discuss Public Act 4, signed two weeks ago by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

Critics of Bobb and the new state law will be watching closely to see how he exercises his new powers, which include the controversial ability to void and renegotiate union contracts after a 60-day waiting period expires. Bobb says he's had or is planning talks with all district labor unions, but has suggested the need for "some changes."

Bobb's powers will be short lived, however, as his contract expires at the end of June, at which time Gov. Snyder will be tasked with appointing his replacement.

In the next three months, Bobb hopes to move forward with a plan to convert 41 failing DPS schools into charters, saving money by selling the buildings to independent operators. The board seems to be supportive of the plan, and Bobb wants to include members in the process, even if he does limit their powers.

"It's incumbent on me to use those new authorities judiciously," he said last week on WJR-AM 760. "There are some things the board is currently doing that we won't have them do moving forward, but currently we're working together."